David Dunn admits he is reassured by the support of the Barrow AFC hierarchy as the club tries to negotiate its way through the Covid-19 crisis.

The Bluebirds, like their fellow EFL clubs, are facing up to months without supporters back in their ground.

The Government’s decision to halt test games for limited numbers of fans has set lower-league football an unprecedented challenge.

There have been calls for the Premier League to offer financial support to those in lower divisions, with top-flight clubs meeting yesterday to discuss possible help.

Barrow chairman Paul Hornby this week said the club's owners planned to finance an expected £500,000 loss, which is now likely to rise to £750,000 with the return of fans further delayed. He thanked supporters for buying season tickets.

Dunn, who is preparing his side for this weekend’s Cumbrian derby against Carlisle United at Brunton Park, says those above him at the Progression Solicitors Stadium are handling the situation in the right way.

“I only deal with the football matters but all I will say is the club are very supportive to everyone, all the players and all the staff,” the manager said.

“As long as we’ve got their support, we’re very fortunate to have a group of people that run the club that are very supportive.

“Hopefully we can get through it and slowly get fans back on the terraces.”

The rise in Covid-19 infections nationally has meant Barrow face a long wait to play in front of their fans in their historic first season back in the Football League.

Their latest behind-closed-doors game at Holker Street saw Dunn’s side come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Colchester.

That left them on two points from their first three league games.

Dunn admits it is frustrating for AFC’s fans to be denied the chance to watch their team for the foreseeable.

The Bluebirds boss added: “It’s disappointing - disappointing for everyone. The players obviously want to play in front of supporters, supporters want to come and support their team, and then there is obviously the revenue it creates to keep clubs going.

“It’s just a real shame that it’s been halted. I know that safety has always got to be paramount.

“I’m not an expert in science so I’m not really qualified to give a judgement on [the virus]. Is it going to hold us back for years to come before they find [a cure]?

“Hopefully sooner rather than later we can get people back watching football and we can get on with our lives.”